DANBURY, Conn.—For the second year in a row, Eschenbach Optik of America has sponsored two visually impaired students to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCVIS). SCVIS camp was held from October 1 through 5, 2023, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Throughout the camp, students experienced astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s actual astronaut program. They learned about space hardware, experienced space flight simulations including a 1/6th Gravity Chair and a multi-axis trainer, conducted a spaceflight mission, and performed an underwater scuba build, all while learning about aerospace career opportunities.

It was also an opportunity for these students to work together with other students who had similar visual challenges.

Eschenbach’s scholarship winners had their tuition paid in full and also received a care package that included an Eschenbach Smartlux Digital portable video magnifier they could use at camp and keep for themselves afterward. The student winners this year were Kelsey K. from Smithfield, Utah who attended the Space Academy program and Coy dale D. from Hope Hull, Alabama who attended the Advanced Space Academy program. Both students completed their space mission successfully.

 
 
Reflecting on the program, Kelsey K. said, “Thank you for this amazing sponsorship! It was so much fun at Space Camp with all the things I got to try and do and all the crazy experiences I had, it was so exciting and challenging.”